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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Following Cell-fate in E. coli After Infection by Phage Lambda
Published on: October 14, 2011
Stationary phase-like properties of the bacteriophage lambda Rex exclusion phenotype
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada.
Abstract:
The rex genes of bacteriophage lambda were found to protect lysogenic Escherichia coliK host cells against killing by phage T4 rII, when compared in parallel to isogenic Rex(-) lysogens and nonlysogens. This protective effect was abrogated upon mutation of the host stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS. Rex(+) lysogens infected by T4 rII contracted, formed aggregates and shed flagella, thus resembling cells entering stationary phase. These phenotypes were accentuated in nonlysogenic cells carrying multicopy plasmids expressing rexA-rexB: cells were about two-fold contracted in length, expressed membrane-bound and detached flagella, were insensitive to infection by a variety of phages and clumped extensively; in addition, cultures of these cells were odorous. Our observations support the hypothesis that the Rex system can cause a stationary-phase-like response that protects the host against infection by T4 rII.
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